Johny Narkle

Johny Narkle is a highly decorated guard in NBL1 West, known for his dynamic scoring and all-around impact. After a stellar career with the Geraldton Buccaneers, where he secured two championships and two Grand Final MVP awards, Narkle joined the Cockburn Cougars for the 2026 NBL1 West season. His 2025 season was particularly dominant, averaging 23.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks across 26 games, showcasing elite two-way play and efficiency with 50.5% FG shooting. While his 2026 season has seen a slight dip in shooting percentages (38% FG, 22.9% 3P) over a limited 4 games, he continues to be a high-volume scorer and disruptive defender, averaging 19.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.5 steals, and 1.0 block.

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Johny Narkle is an athletic and versatile guard who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he's a primary scoring option, capable of driving to the basket, finishing strong, and creating his own shot. His ability to rebound at a high rate for his position allows him to initiate fast breaks and contribute to second-chance opportunities. He's also a capable playmaker, dishing out assists and involving teammates. Defensively, Narkle is a menace, using his length and quick hands to generate steals and blocks, often turning defense into offense. He thrives in an up-tempo system where his athleticism and aggressive play can be fully utilized. His high usage rate and consistent production highlight his role as a team's go-to player.

Born on August 1, 2001, Johny Narkle is a Noongar/Yamatji man from Geraldton, Western Australia. He began his NBL1 West career with his hometown Geraldton Buccaneers in 2020, playing there until 2025. Early in his career, he briefly stepped away from basketball to play Australian Rules Football in the WAFL reserves for Subiaco in 2021, before returning to basketball in 2022. Narkle quickly became one of the NBL1 West's most decorated players, earning back-to-back NBL1 West Sixth Man of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023. He led the Buccaneers to NBL1 West championships in both 2023 and 2025, earning Grand Final MVP honors in both campaigns, becoming the first Indigenous man to win the award in 2023. In 2025, he was also named the NBL1 West Youth Player of the Year and selected to the All-NBL1 West First Team. His strong NBL1 performances led to him signing as a development player with the Illawarra Hawks for the 2025-26 NBL season, where he played 18 games. He also had trials with Melbourne United in 2023 and played in NBL pre-season games against the Perth Wildcats.

Johny Narkle signed with the Cockburn Cougars for the 2026 NBL1 West season in December 2025, following his NBL stint with the Illawarra Hawks. There was some uncertainty regarding his availability for the early rounds of the 2026 NBL1 West season due to his NBL commitments and missing the first four rounds. In May 2026, he was noted as 'now starting to show why he's a two-time Grand Final MVP' for the Cougars, indicating he's settling into his new team.